We’ve just celebrated a remarkable milestone – 8 incredible years of highs, lows, and everything in between at our Manchester agency.

As we look back on our journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear: we wouldn’t be where we are today without the invaluable lessons that came from the lows.

Yes, you heard that right – while we’re thrilled to raise a toast to our achievements, we’re equally passionate about highlighting the significance of the setbacks, hiccups, and facepalms that have shaped us into the agency we are today.

As a social media agency we believe that success isn’t just about the wins; it’s about the remarkable growth and learning that stems from embracing the entire journey. 

We’ve been fortunate to partner with esteemed companies such as Disney Home, The British Red Cross, Pioneer, eBay, and The Avocado Company.

This past year has seen our campaigns reach new heights, revenues reach new peaks, and our team grow at a heartening rate. However, we know that our journey wouldn’t be half as rich without the valuable lessons that came from our failures along the way.

So, join us as we delve into the depths of our experience, and share the wisdom that’s made us better, stronger, and more resilient than ever before in our 8 mistakes we are glad we made in our 8-year journey.

1. Neglecting Joyful Goals

In the hustle and bustle of our eight-year journey, there was a time when we lost sight of the goals that truly brought us joy. It’s a common mistake for businesses to prioritise growth at all costs, but we’ve learned that there’s more to success.

We’ve evolved to recognise that success isn’t just measured in revenue and expansion. It’s about staying true to our core values, about making a positive impact on the world, and ensuring the well-being of our incredible team.

Our charity partnerships with organisations like the British Heart Foundation and learning CPR, as well as setting active goals like a 10K Tough Mudder remind us that there’s more to life than just chasing numbers. They exemplify our commitment to being agents of positive change, prioritising values over profits. These collaborations not only allow us to contribute to causes we deeply care about but also foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment among our team.

2. Culture Myths

Culture is the lifeblood of any organisation, and we’ve come to realise that it doesn’t flourish by chance. Our journey led us to become passionate advocates for nurturing a vibrant workplace culture.

We’ve now become full-blown culture enthusiasts, providing our team with invaluable training opportunities and crafting moments that bind us together, such as our renowned Social Club. Here, we dive into a world of diverse activities around Manchester, carefully chosen by our dynamic team.

From raucous rounds of Bongo’s Bingo to sessions of paddleboarding, from strikes and spares at the bowling alley, to brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between. It’s a testament to our commitment to celebrating the unique culture of our Manchester agency.

We’ve debunked the myth that culture merely happens by chance. Instead, we’ve embraced the idea that it’s a conscious effort and invested into the cause.

3. Uncelebrated Wins: The Silent Mistake

Ever assumed that everyone just magically knows when good stuff happens? Yeah, that doesn’t work. 

In our earlier days, we too fell prey to this illusion. We’d accomplish something incredible, and while we hoped for a collective round of applause and cheers, the office would often remain silent It was a perplexing scenario – how could our colleagues not sense the excitement and triumph in the air?

But here’s the reality check: expecting everyone to be attuned to these invisible vibes simply doesn’t cut it in the real world of bustling offices and hectic schedules. People are not mind-readers, and sometimes, the most extraordinary accomplishments can slip by unnoticed.

We now host a Friday call at our social media agency, where we celebrate the wins of the week and brainstorm improvements for the next. It’s a carefree environment where drinks are allowed, and honesty is encouraged. Whether you want to cheer or rant, it’s the perfect way to celebrate our amazing team and their client work. It’s Friday done right, to enter the weekend a little lighter than before.

4. Lost Connections

Our team members are the heart and soul of our agency, and valuing them has always been a core principle. However, we once overlooked a crucial tool for nurturing their growth.

Enter the management books, insisting on one-on-one meetings. We finally got the memo and started booking monthly catch-ups with our CEO. We discuss progress, promotions, and well-being.

In our journey, we’ve learned that fostering an environment where individuals are seen, heard, and appreciated is not just a management tactic; it’s a cornerstone of building a thriving and harmonious workplace.

5. Avoiding Tough Client Talks

Our dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients is steadfast. In our eagerness to provide a top-notch service, we’ve occasionally overlooked the importance of engaging in those challenging discussions with our clients.

While we thrive on delivering outstanding results, we’ve come to realise that true expertise involves more than just meeting client requests. It means having the courage to steer clients away from less favourable ideas when necessary.

Through our experiences, we’ve unearthed the hidden power of open and candid conversations with our clients. These dialogues have proven to be hugely successful, consistently yielding better outcomes and stronger partnerships than ever before.

At our agency, It’s not just about delivering what’s asked; it’s about collaborating, advising, and achieving excellence together.

6. Sticking to the Process

Change is the only constant in the digital realm. You know, those structured game plans that we like to think are set in stone, but life has other plans? Yep, those ones. We’re all for having a solid process, but know all too well you’ve got to expect a few plot twists along the way.

We understand that embracing innovation and staying ahead of the curve is essential in our line of work. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a new platform bursts onto the scene, and suddenly, your trusty process needs a makeover.

We’ve become masters of quick thinking and adapting on the fly. Whether we’re diving into the world of BeReal or exploring the uncharted territory of Threads, we’re ready to switch gears at a moment’s notice.

7. Ignoring Creative Community

In some professions, it’s a real jungle out there. Share a secret, and you might feel like you’re about to be served as the main course in the corporate food chain. But here’s the twist – in the creative sphere, things tend to be refreshingly different.

You might stumble upon a few cautionary tales, but let’s be real, most creative people are a pretty friendly bunch. 

We’ve cultivated a specialised network of freelancers who bring their unique skills to the table for each project. From co-working spaces to dynamic collaborations, we thrive on staying connected and social.

We’ve earned a reputation for being dependable, and we absolutely love giving credit where it’s due to our creative community.

8. Underestimating Failure

Last but not least, the grand finale – not appreciating failure. Failure isn’t a roadblock; it’s a stepping stone to success. We’ve embraced this mindset shift. We view failure not as a dreaded outcome but as a necessary part of our journey. It’s the chance to bounce back stronger, wiser, and with a better plan.

So there it is, 8 mistakes we are glad we made in our 8-year journey.

We leave you with not just our learnings but an earnest encouragement to grow alongside your own. It’s important to recognise that in the realm of social media and digital marketing, perfection is an elusive goal. While the world often perceives businesses and individuals as having it all figured out, the reality is far from picture-perfect.

Through our own experiences and stumbles, we’ve come to understand that mistakes are not failures, but valuable lessons in disguise. They show us ways to improve and innovate.

Together, we can reshape our perspectives on success, one mistake at a time.

Find out more about Social Republic’s culture here.

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